Announces 38-hr mass stay away from work
Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 19
Intensifying its Inner Line Permit (ILP) campaign in Manipur, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has today announced for a state wide 38-hour mass stay away from work to protest ‘inordinate delays’ in implementing three Bills.
“We appeal to the public to stage protest by observing a stay away from 4 am of May 20 till 6 pm of May 21. Road blockade and protest march will be staged by shouting different slogans on every street. We’ve decided to intensify the campaign,” JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan said at a press meet at the committee office here.
The campaign for introduction of ILP in Manipur spearheaded by JCILPS, a conglomerate of citizens, is being carried out in the state, particularly in the valley.
Ratan said media, medical and religious activities, water supply and electricity will be exempted from the purview of the protest aimed at pressurizing the Manipur government into speedily implementing the three ILP related Bills which were passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31 last year.
“The Centre is still refusing the all-party from the state to meet the President, Prime Minister and Home Minister. The appointment sought with the Central leaders has been kept in a state of uncertainty,” Ratan rued.
The Manipur government had earlier on May 16 planned to depute an all-party delegation to impress upon the Central leaders to implement the three Bills now pending with the President. The government’s move was prompted by intense pressure from the committee.
It has threatened the government and all political parties to boycott the crucial ensuing elections to Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) if the Bills are not converted into Acts before the polling take place.
Ratan demanded that all political parties and the state government understand the public’s sentiment and step up their efforts. He alleged, “It seems like the government is trying to brush aside the ILP issue.”
He elaborated on the current problem of increasing population of non-locals in Manipur. The committee has voiced concern that the ‘unchecked’ influx of migrants into the state has posed a serious threat against the indigenous communities.
